North Coast academy athletes selected to represent Australia on world stage

PROMISING track and field stars Lexie Brown and Ayla Kowalczyk have been selected to represent Australia on the world stage as part of the Para Athletics team at the Commonwealth Games.

The teenagers have been part of the North Coast Academy of Sport where they are coached by Ayla’s father Zenon Kowalczyk.

Ayla is part of the Ballina Allstars Athletics club, while Lexie travels from Nambucca Heads to train with the Kowalczyk group.

She has been selected in the T37 100m sprint after emerging through the North Coast Academy of Sport Indigenous Talent Identification and Future Stars programs.

Her inclusion in the national team follows a series of strong performances, including competing for Australia at the World Para Championships.

The talented sprinter was named 2025 NCAS Athlete of the Year after breaking national records, achieving multiple personal bests in sprint and long jump events, and excelling across junior and open competition.

Kowalczyk will compete in the long jump after progressing through the NCAS Future Stars Program.

She has continued to impress with her rapid development and consistent performances, cementing herself as one of Australia’s emerging para-athletics talents.

Their rise through the ranks has been supported by Kowalczyk, who was recognised as the academy’s Coach of the Year in 2025.

He has guided a record number of athletes to state and national championships while advocating strongly for athletics opportunities across the North Coast, particularly for para-athletes.

North Coast Academy of Sport Regional Manager Sue Charles said the selections were a proud moment for the entire region.

“To see Lexie and Ayla selected to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games is incredibly exciting and a huge achievement for both athletes, their families and everyone who has supported them throughout their journeys,” she said.

“These selections highlight what is possible through strong regional pathways and the incredible work being done by our coaches and support networks across the North Coast.

“We know the entire community will be cheering them on in Glasgow.”